Tips
for Parents
July's
Topic:
Aiming for Adventure Not Agony
Family
vacations should be an opportunity for bonding and fun without the pressures
of everyday life. Where a family
goes or for what period of time is not important.
The best vacations are ones that are planned around the interests and
abilities of the children.
The
family plan…
Involve the children in the decision process of the family vacation.
If the goal is to visit grandma, ask for the child’s input
regarding activities that the family can do together while visiting a new
town. Zoos and Children’s
Museums are good choices for all age groups.
Compromise is the key!
Young
children are self-focused, have a short attention span, and need to move;
all normal aspects of development. Consider
such needs when planning the travel part of your vacation.
Identify fun stopping points along the way verses traveling straight
through to your destination. Make
the drive an adventure!
Preparation…
Create a survival kit. Pack
healthy snacks, storybooks, crayons, paper, travel games and tapes.
A survival kit helps minimize irritability and crankiness during the
drive or air flight. Young
children also enjoy talking about their observations and experiences.
This is a perfect opportunity to have quality time and conversation
with your child.
Vacation
Arrival…
Children need and like routines. Be
sure to keep naptime, mealtimes and bedtimes as close to the normal routine
as possible. If schedules must
change, be sure to discuss the itinerary with the children so they know what
to expect.
Don’t
over commit your family during vacation.
Be sure to build in leisure time.
Most importantly, remember this is time to create fond memories.
Enjoy your summer!
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